The Middle East Game of Drones

CSAG INFORMATION PAPER By: Mihai Girboan, Maj., ROU Army, CSAG/CCJ5 24 August 2022 Subject: The Middle East Game of Drones. Purpose: To identify the new tendencies in technology, proliferation, and commercialization of unmanned aerial vehicles, the strategic ties between actors, the “why and how” of the UAV use in USCENTCOM AOR and the consequences resulting from it, Read More >

Integrated Deterrence

CSAG INFORMATION PAPER By: Jussi Puustinen, LTC, FIN Army, CSAG/CCJ5 & Richard Pečínka, Lt Col, CZE Air Force CSAG/CCJ5 17 August 2022 Subject: CSAG’s perspective on the concept of Integrated Deterrence. Purpose: To provide CSAG’s unvarnished opinion about the Integrated Deterrence Concept. This paper discusses general requirements for implementing the concept, challenges, opportunities, and provides opinions on Read More >

Iran’s Diplomacy Against the Backdrop of the Russian – Ukrainian War

CSAG STRATEGY PAPER By: LTC Andrea ZANINI, ITA A, Action Officer, CSAG CCJ5 6 October 2022   Overview: In Iran, the administration of President Ebrahim Raisi continues its strive for regional diplomacy, as tensions with the West over its nuclear program continue to build up. The conservative president came to power in August 2021 with Read More >

July–August 2022 NESA Center Update Report

View the NESA Center July–August 2022 Update focused on Near East South Asia Region Trends regarding the Gulf. The update also highlights July through August 2022 NESA Center Programs & Events, Faculty & Staff Engagements, Alumni Contributions, and Upcoming Events. July–August 2022 Gulf Trends: There is great concern over a possible revival of an Iran Read More >

The Russian Invasion of Ukraine and Some of its Implications on the USCENTCOM’s AOR and Beyond

By: CDR Hubert MROZ, POL Navy, CSAG CCJ5 5 August 2022 Overview: In many ways, the world will no longer be the same as it was before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Paradoxically, the region where the effects of the war are most felt and capable of bringing about the greatest changes is not Europe, Read More >

Kazakhstan’s Position in the War Between Russia and Ukraine

By: LTC Andrea ZANINI, ITA A, Action Officer, CSAG CCJ5 3 June 2022 Overview: On March 1, 2022, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took a stand on the conflict in Ukraine during the extraordinary Congress of the Amanat ruling party (via VTC): the priority in such a scenario is to guarantee the security of Kazakhstan. The Read More >

Pakistan’s Recent Diplomatic Efforts and Implications for Relations with the US

By: LTC Taewon Choi, ROK Army, CSAG CCJ5 18 May 2022 Overview: In 1947, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of the state of Pakistan, clearly described the principles and objectives of Pakistan’s foreign policy in a broadcast message: “The foundation of our foreign policy is friendship with all nations across the globe.” In accordance with this, Read More >

United States and Iran’s Nuclear Program, What Comes Next?

On 2 March 2022, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies and the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS) held a joint roundtable discussion to examine the potential impact of the Vienna nuclear negotiations between Iran and global powers on regional and global stability and U.S.-Iran relations. Dr. Vali Nasr (Johns Hopkins Read More >

Russia’s Strategic Communications on an Iran Nuclear Agreement?

By: LTC Jussi Puustinen, FIN Army, CSAG CCJ5 21 Jan 2022 Background: Russia has been very consistent about its messaging on the possibility of the re-establishment of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Actions (JCPOA). Russia is supporting narrative about Iran’s willingness to return to the nuclear deal. In this case, Russia uncommonly shares the views Read More >

Will a Likely Future JCPOA be already worthless Because of Iran’s Nuclear Stockpiles?

By: LTC Arjen Wassink, NLD Army, CSAG CCJ5 29 Nov 2021 Introduction: The common perception of Iran’s threat is through its regional deployment and use of proxies, its tactical ballistic missiles, and the progressive enrichment of uranium to build a nuclear weapon. While it is possible that the US will return to the Joint Comprehensive Read More >